English Track Program

Japanese Language Education at TIU:
Self-Study, Resources, and Career GuidanceEnglish Track Program

Preparing for Japanese Language Courses
The Japanese Language Institute (JLI)The JLI at Tokyo International University supports students inevery aspect of Japanese language acquisition. Our instructors
are experienced professionals with a passion for language
education. Through effective instruction and support, the JLI
seeks to fulfill its mission of:(1)(2)

building communicative ability for students' daily lives, andpreparing students with the business level proficiency
required for entering the workforce in Japan.

For more information about the JLI and Japanese Language
courses, visit
https://www.tiu.ac.jp/etrack/academics/jjs.html

English Track Program

Preparing for Japanese Language Courses
Our Recommendation
While English is the language of instruction in E-Track, students must complete a minimum
number of Japanese language credits. Gaining knowledge and ability in the local language will
improve students’ understanding of the country and their ability to interact with locals,enhancing their overall experience at TIU.
Japanese is a fun and rewarding language, but the learning curve can be steep. Evenstudents who already speak multiple languages may feel quite challenged. The language
courses at TIU are rigorous, and students are expected to attend all classes and submit
quality work.
We therefore strongly recommend that all students self-study before beginning theirprogram. Students who self-study will naturally gain an advantage and may be better
equipped for success in the required language courses.

English Track Program

Preparing for Japanese Language Courses
Self-Study Resources
We recommend the "Marugoto" Online course, which is designed and maintained by theJapan Foundation. Marugoto is fun, interactive, and free! For a list of courses visit <https://minato-jf.jp/ >.
The course "Marugoto A1-1 (Katsudoo & Rikai)" is suitable for beginners, as it helps students
gain “practical communication skills” and “a comprehensive Japanese ability that includes
reading, listening, writing, and speaking.”
The "Hiragana A1" and "Katakana A1" Self-Study Courses are also used as “Pre-enrollment
Preparatory Course in Japanese” for incoming students of our E-track Program.
There is a multitude of other resources Online, include YouTube videos, blogs, books, etc.
Students should make sure that their chosen resources are from a trusted source andappropriate for their level.

English Track Program

Preparing for Japanese Language Courses
On-Campus Resources
Students should make full use of TIU’s
Japanese Plaza, located near ourInternational Exchange Office. The
Japanese Plaza is staffed by friendly
instructors and tutors, and is a safe space topractice speaking, listening, reading, andwriting in Japanese.
Also, learning support services such as one
on one tutoring, called “Terakoya”,byJapanese instructors and “Conversation
Partners” by native and native-level
Japanese TIU students are provided.

English Track Program

Work and Graduate School:
How much Japanese do I need?
Students wanting to work in Japan upon graduating TIU shouldtake Japanese language courses beyond the minimum
requirement. Many companies in Japan require a Japanese
Language Proficiency Test level of N2 or N1. To learn more
about JLPT certification, visit
https://www.jlpt.jp/e/about/index.html
Students should connect with the TIU Career Center as soon
as possible – even during freshman year. The hiring system inJapan is quite different from many countries, and some thingsneed to be prepared years in advance. The Career Center’s
guidance can prove crucial in your job search; it may make thedifference between getting hired or not!
To learn more about how the Career Center supports students,
visit https://www.tiu.ac.jp/etrack/career/.